News

Ryan commits to women and youth with GreenEDGE Cycling

Tue 12 Sep 2017

GreenEDGE Cycling, the overarching arm of men’s UCI WorldTour team ORICA-SCOTT, owner Gerry Ryan has guaranteed the continued development of women’s and youth cycling after a commitment to continue the organisation’s women’s and under 23 Continental teams for 2018.

The decision comes with an increased investment requirement from Ryan after GreenEDGE Cycling, riders and staff were notified by Cycling Australia that their contribution to the two programs would no longer continue after the conclusion of this season.

The current 2017 season has been ORICA-SCOTT’s most successful yet in the women’s competition. The Australian outfit currently boasts the world number one rider and the outfit and Australia rank as the third top team and nation in the world. The team has 18 wins for the season, including seven Women’s WorldTour victories, plus a number of impressive podiums, including second place at the Tour of Flanders and third overall at the women’s Giro.

In its debut season, GreenEDGE Cycling’s Continental team Mitchelton-SCOTT is the top ranked Oceania Tour team and boasts six wins as a outfit plus its riders have recorded countless other podiums in Nations Cup events for the national team throughout the year. Two of the five Australian riders have received contracts to WorldTour teams in 2018, with more expected.

“Our women’s team are one of our shining lights this year,” Ryan said. “They are delivering top results in the biggest races, Annemiek van Vleuten currently ranks number one in the world and riders like Sarah Roy have really stepped up this season.”

“The same can be said for our young Continental team. In the first year of operation, they are really stepping up to the plate and showing us their potential for not only now, but in the future.

“The decision of others is out of our hands but we believe they deserve our support, and a lot more.

“It’s a thrill to see these riders thrive as athletes and as people in our environment and not only that, we see their contribution to our value offering to potential sponsors as important.

“We have managed to secure some major talent for next season already and we are looking forward to sharing those with you in the near future.”

GreenEDGE Cycling general manager Shayne Bannan praised Ryan’s ongoing commitment which allows the team to continue planning for yet another stand out season.

“We have a lot of be thankful for with Gerry,” Bannan expressed. “It’s no secret that ORICA, who have served us so well as the biggest Australian sporting team sponsorship over the past five years, leave us this year.”

“We are still on the hunt for a replacement naming rights sponsor across all three teams, and without that, the guarantee Gerry has made to these women and young men is a direct commitment from him personally.

“For riders, it has provided security for another season, and for us as an organisation, it has allowed us to plan ahead whilst we continue to search for a new corporate sponsor. It means we can continue to deliver results and a product that is a desirable and beneficial investment.”